2012 Lexus GS450h F Sport review

The Lexus GS450h F Sport is the range-topping version of the new GS executive saloon.

It uses a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and an electric motor to accelerate from 0-62mph in less than six seconds. However, take things a little easier and it can average 46.3mpg and achieve a CO2 figure of 141g/km.

Lexus claims to have put the emphasis back on driver appeal with the new GS; the F Sport hybrid features a ‘Lexus Dynamic Handling’ package that incorporates variable-ratio steering and active rear-wheel steering to improve agility.

The GS also comes handsomely equipped, and it features a 12.3-inch wide LCD dashboard display screen that Lexus claims is the biggest ever fitted to a production car.

What’s the 2012 Lexus GS450h F Sport like to drive?When you move off, the GS450h is in full-electric mode, so it’s nearly silent. It’s only when you ask for more urge that the petrol engine kicks in.

GS450h combines a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and an electric motor

The low-down boost of the electric motor gives strong off-the-line acceleration, and the engine is linked to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that instantly sends the revs soaring when you put your foot down.

True, the resulting noise isn’t particularly pleasant, but the revs drop right down again when you lift off.

You can also override the CVT and change gear yourself via the gear selector or paddles behind the steering wheel.

A rotary knob by the gear selector lets you select Sport mode, which sharpens the throttle responses, or Sport+, which also quickens the steering and adjusts the dampers and the rear-steer settings.

The rear-wheel steering, in particular, helps this big car change direction with surprising eagerness, while the steering is quick and well-weighted, which partially makes up for the fact there’s little feedback.

Thanks to its adaptive damping and excellent noise insulation the GS450h is generally a relaxing place to spend time, although the ride can become quite unsettled over broken surfaces.

What’s the 2012 GS450h F Sport like inside?The GS450h has a well-built cabin, and most people should be able to find a comfortable driving position because there’s a huge range of electric adjustment.

Dominating the dash is that huge infotainment screen. Unfortunately, it’s linked to Lexus’s ‘Remote Touch Interface’, which works like a computer mouse and is very fiddly to use on the move.